The 5th Annual Out of Sight Wing Fling is taking place on June 3, hosted by the Vision Resource Center. It’s a chicken wing cook-off to raise awareness for the blind and visually impaired in the city.

Guests and judges will be blindfolded for the initial judging— only being able to taste, feel and smell, who has the best wings. This year 11 competitors will be battling it out for a cash prize, with their own custom spices and sauces.

The wings being used for the cook-off are donated by Mountaire every year. Dirtbag Ales is hosting the event for the second year in a row, pairing the variety of delicious wings with local brews, live music, and food trucks to enjoy.

There will also be different stations and activities for guests to participate in to educate the public on the living experience of the visually impaired.

All the proceeds raised from the Wing Fling will be go toward assisted technology for the blind and visually impaired here in Cumberland County.

Early bird tickets for the public are $15, which gets you 11 wings, one from every competitor participating. For the real chicken wing lovers, the event is offering VIP tickets for $75. This includes unlimited wings from any competitor, a VIP tent with snacks and drinks, custom brew and glass from Dirtbag Ales, and a fast pass to go through lines with ease.

The Vision Resource Center is a nonprofit organization for adults and children based here in Fayetteville that enhances the quality of life for the blind and visually impaired in every way they can.

The nonprofit offers several programs, social activities, support groups, and classes.

Up & Coming Weekly had a chance to sit down and talk with Terri Thomas, the passionate Executive Director of the Vision Resource Center.
Thomas became executive director in 2010 and has been organizing the Wing Fling since the beginning.

“When it comes to the Vision Resource Center, we try to meet them where they are, to be able to help people with whatever they need to do,” she said. “Just depends on the day of the week. There are a lot of things under the umbrella of VRC.”

When asked how she hopes the Wing Fling will grow, she says “Our goal is to have different businesses competing, having vendors that connect to our mission, and having other nonprofits to be able to come out and compete. It would be a great way to network and also the chance to do something different.”

Don’t miss out on the chance to learn how we can all help enhance the lives of the visually impaired, while enjoying great wings and fellowship at the same time!

The event is from noon to 4 p.m. at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom located in Hope Mills. To purchase tickets for the event or volunteer with the Vision Resource Center, visit www.Visionresourcecentercc.org or call 910-483-2719.